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10 Surprising Exercises to Look Amazing After 50 in Just 30 Days

You will look and feel incredible.

Ferozan Mast
By Ferozan MastJun 15, 2024
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Ferozan Mast is a science, health and wellness writer with a passion for making science and research-backed information accessible to a general audience.
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Ferozan Mast
By Ferozan MastJun 15, 2024
Ferozan Mast
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Ferozan Mast is a science, health and wellness writer with a passion for making science and research-backed information accessible to a general audience.
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Fitness & Workouts

Staying fit with age is so important for health, happiness, and looks. “As we age, the most important aspect is foundational fitness, which establishes a strong baseline on which to build your fitness and health,” Christopher Cutter, MD, tells Scripps Health. “Gearing up for an event without training for it may result in injuries, from minor to severe, that will put you on the sidelines.” Not all fitness has to be worked on in the gym—there are plenty of exercises that let you start slow, build strength, and look amazing. Here are 10 exercises to do after 50.

Strength Training

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Strength training is crucial to look amazing after 50. “Muscular strength declines with age, so strength training is key for maintaining strength and preventing muscle atrophy at 50-plus,” according to Johns Hopkins Health. “Strength training has also been shown to help with bone density,and which decreases the rate of bone breakdown, helping reduce the risk of fractures later in life.”

House Cleaning

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House cleaning burns a surprising amount of calories, and will help get you fit and toned. “All kinds of physical activity – not just formal exercise programs – burn calories and strengthen muscles,” says the American Cancer Society. “As long as you’re working at something hard enough to get you breathing harder and your heart beating faster, you’re exercising. The more, the better, but even just 5 minutes at a time adds up.”

Yoga

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Yoga is a great low-impact exercise that positively impacts both mental and physical health. "If it's a yoga, cycling, or tai chi class, you'll need adequate strength and flexibility,” Dr. Clare Safran-Norton, clinical supervisor of rehabilitation services at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital, tells Harvard Health. “You need to be able to do the basics, like raise your arms over your head and lift your legs easily.”

RELATED:15 Proven Strategies to Drop 2 Pounds a Week with Minimal Effort

Pilates

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Pilates is a low-impact workout that gives you long, lean limbs—and is good for strength. “Tai chi, Pilates and certain kinds of yoga can enhance balance and core strength at 50-plus, which will help support and protect your spine and may help prevent a future fall,” according to Johns Hopkins Health. “A modest investment in dumbbells and exercise bands will also allow you to do strength training at home.”

Walking

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Walking burns fat and helps make you look great. "Start with a low-intensity workout for 20 or 30 minutes. Increase the intensity and length over time," Dr. Safran-Norton says. "It's the same for working with weights. Try a slight resistance at first, and then increase it gradually."

Stretching

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Stretching is good for your looks and physique. “As our bodies age, our tendons get thicker and less elastic,” according to Johns Hopkins Health. “Stretching can counter this and help prevent injury at 50-plus. Remember to stretch slowly; do not force it by bouncing.”

RELATED:20 Abdominal Fat-Blasting Tips for a Flatter Stomach in 60 Days

Swimming

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Swimming is easy on the joints and a great workout. “As cardiovascular exercises go, swimming offers a little less wear and tear on the body than other options,” exercise physiologist Christopher Travers, MS, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “It’s a good choice for just about anyone.”

Gardening and Yard Work

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Gardening is strenuous and helps keep you looking and feeling fit. “Moderate time spent walking, gardening and even vacuuming all count as exercise,” according to Johns Hopkins Health. “A modest investment in dumbbells and exercise bands will also allow you to do strength training at home.”

Cycling

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Cycling is a great choice for those over 50. “Cycling is one of the healthiest and most low-impact forms of exercise - meaning it causes less strain and injuries than most other workouts,” according to the University of Montana. “So it's a hobby you can continue to enjoy throughout your long life. And, unlike other forms of exercise, you won't dread doing it.”

RELATED: 25 Essential Habits to Banish Abdominal Fat in 90 Days

Dancing

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Dancing not only keeps you fit, it’s a fun way to be social and meet people. “Zumba Fitness is a dance-based aerobic exercise class that is popular, especially among women of all ages and body sizes,” says Harvard Health. “It offers a range of benefits, including improving aerobic fitness, body composition, and balance.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Walking is the perfect low-impact exercise to lose weight and look great.

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Fitness & Workouts

The #1 Exercise for Staying Fit After 50

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Getting older doesn't mean slowing down—but it does mean getting smarter about how we move our bodies. Fitness experts Liz Hilliard, creator of Hilliard Studio Method, and Ellen Thompson, a Certified Personal Trainer at Blink Fitness, have dedicated their careers to helping people maintain strength and mobility at every age. Their battle-tested recommendations could be exactly what you need to stay fit, energetic, and injury-free as you navigate your 50s and beyond.

Strength Training Is Non-Negotiable

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Copyright Liz Hilliard

"Strength training is my number 1 recommendation for anyone 50 or older. We begin to lose muscle mass around age 30, which can lead to a whole host of problems from increased body fat and weight gain to sarcopenia or osteoporosis," says Hilliard. "But by incorporating strength training like we do at my studio, we not only build muscle and strength as we age but also improve our bone density and maintain a healthy weight. No matter how old you are, who doesn't want a smokin' hot sculpted body, youthful mobility for everyday tasks, and joint strength that helps to keep us injury-free!"

RELATED:5-Minute Walking Workouts for Women Over 40 to Burn Fat at Home

The Perfect Push-Up for Any Fitness Level

Copyright Liz Hilliard

"My favorite strength training exercise that can be done anywhere, equipment-free is a push-up that can be achieved with legs straight or knees on the floor," explains Hilliard. "Never done a push-up? Begin by leaning against a wall at an angle with your hands slightly wider than your chest. Bend your elbows, taking your chest to elbow level to protect your shoulders while simultaneously strengthening them. Engage your core. A pushup is simply a moving plank that engages your core muscles and strengthens your upper body and back as well."

The Ultimate Full-Body Move

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Copyright Liz Hilliard

"HSM Pushup: From plank position, walk hands wider than shoulders, elbows gently turned out. Lift one leg in the air, bend the knee and crunch it in toward the chest, extend the leg back out straight," Hilliard describes. "While keeping the leg in the air, lower the body by bending the elbows until the chest is in line with the elbows and then straighten the arms to return to the start. One rep is a leg crunch and extension plus a pushup bend and press. Complete 8-10 each leg. To modify, put the floating toe down on the pushup or lower the supporting leg, knee to the mat."

"This is my all-time favorite push-up!" she adds. "You will literally work every muscle in your body in the most efficient, core-centric way to sculpt your body. If you could only choose one Hilliard Studio Method exercise, this is the one! The results will astound you!"

Keep Moving Your Body

Liz_Hilliard11Copyright Liz Hilliard

"The number one thing someone over 50 can do is 'move your body'," advises Ellen Thompson, Area Personal Training manager who oversees 19 high-volume gyms in New York. "Everyone has different interests, sports, pilates, strength training, walking, as long as you stay active and combine it with stretching, drinking water, get 7 hours of sleep, You will stay fit, healthy, have more energy and look younger. Staying fit doesn't have to be complicated, just find what works for you!"

RELATED:Tone Sagging Arms in 2 Weeks With These 5 Exercises

Bodyweight Squats for Better Balance

Liz HilliardCopyright Liz Hilliard

"Bodyweight Squats or Chair Squats build leg strength, specifically in the quads, hamstrings, and glutes," says Thompson. "This strength helps support everyday movements like standing, sitting, and climbing stairs. The muscles activated with squats are stabilizing muscles, which help improve balance. This ultimately decreases the risks of falls."

Modified Push-Ups That Protect Your Joints

Liz_Hilliard3I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

Copyright Liz Hilliard

Thompson recommends: "Incline Push-Ups or Wall Push-Ups strengthen upper body and core while being joint-friendly. Traditional push-ups can be tough on the wrists, shoulders, and elbows, so doing an incline or wall push-ups reduces the load. They still work your chest, shoulders, and triceps! This helps support everyday movements like pushing, lifting, and carrying."

Bird-Dogs for a Stronger Core

Liz_Hilliard19I’m 70 but Look 40 Thanks to These 7 At-Home ExercisesCopyright Liz Hilliard

"Bird-Dogs are great for core stability, as they engage the transverse abdominis and obliques," Thompson explains. "These muscles provide stability for the spine and can help reduce back pain. Bird-dogs also challenge your balance, which improves your overall stability and coordination."

RELATED:I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

Step-Ups for Real-World Strength

Liz Hilliard

Copyright Liz Hilliard

"Step-Ups (using a low stair or bench) strengthen the quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves," notes Thompson. "These muscles are essential for everyday movements like climbing stairs, getting up out of a chair, and walking uphill. This is also a low-impact exercise that supports joint health, without putting stress on them."

Deadlifts: The Ultimate Functional Exercise

Liz Hilliard

Copyright Liz Hilliard

Thompson concludes: "Deadlifts (use barbell, kettlebell or dumbbell) are a great functional exercise that engages multiple muscle groups, including the legs, glutes, back, core, and grip strength. Deadlifts mimic everyday activities like lifting groceries or picking things up." And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Fitness & Workouts

10 Balance Exercises For Stability After 50

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Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackFeb 08, 2025
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Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
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Balance becomes increasingly crucial as we age, and the statistics are eye-opening. Research shows that people over 50 who can't balance on one leg for just 10 seconds face twice the mortality risk in the following decade. Physical therapistJessica Valant, with over 25 years of experience in rehabilitation and movement training, has developed a straightforward 10-minute routine to help improve your stability. As a respected PT, Pilates instructor, and women's health expert reaching over 800K YouTube subscribers, Jessica emphasizes that better balance is achievable at any age. These exercises, which you can do right in your own home, could significantly improve your stability and confidence in daily activities.

Understanding Balance and Why It Matters

"Balance happens when we include many different parts of what's going on," Jessica explains. "We have strength, we have mobility happening. It includes our eyesight, our vestibular system." This comprehensive approach to balance training addresses all these components, making it particularly effective for adults looking to maintain or improve their stability.

Setting Up Your Safe Practice Space

One of the best aspects of this routine is its simplicity. "All you need is a chair or a kitchen counter or a bathroom counter or a wall or anything close to hang on to," Jessica says. She emphasizes that wearing supportive shoes is perfectly fine, especially if you have any foot concerns.

RELATED: 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks

Foundation Exercise One Toe Raises

The routine begins with toe raises, a fundamental movement for ankle strength. Standing with feet hip-width apart, rise onto your toes and lower back down. "I want you to work on doing this without holding on to anything at all," Jessica advises, though she recommends starting with support if needed. For an extra challenge, try closing your eyes during the movement.

Building Knee and Hip Stability

"When falls happen, a lot of times they'll happen stepping off a curb or going downstairs," Jessica notes. To address this, she introduces mini squats. These aren't deep squats but rather gentle knee bends that improve mobility in your hips, knees, and ankles – all crucial for preventing falls.

Mastering Single-Leg Balance

The critical test of balance is standing on one leg. Jessica guides through this gradually: "This is called a single leg balance, but also we're doing a little bit of weight shifting. We're teaching that left leg how to hold the weight on its own." Start by holding onto support and work toward independence.

Dynamic Balance Through Marching

Slow marching exercises simulate real-world movements. "Try not to look down at your feet when you're doing this," Jessica instructs. "The more we kind of hunch and try to walk like this, the more likely we are to fall." Keep your posture tall and eyes forward.

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

Lateral Stability Training

Side leg lifts add another dimension to balance training. "The sneaky part as a physical therapist, what I'm making you do right now is hold your weight on that left leg," Jessica reveals. This strengthens the standing leg while improving side-to-side stability.

Advanced Hip Mobility Work

The hip circle exercise combines lifting, opening, and lowering movements. As Jessica explains, "This is a lot of hip mobility, which believe it or not, really good for our balance and just for overall health in those joints." This movement builds both mobility and strength.

Essential Ankle Mobility

Calf stretches are crucial for maintaining ankle flexibility. Jessica demonstrates how to stretch while maintaining proper alignment, emphasizing the importance of keeping the back heel down and maintaining tall posture.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Progressive Challenge Training

"This isn't a single day workout to fix everything," Jessica emphasizes. "This is the long game." The routine concludes with balance challenges that can be progressively made more difficult, such as closing your eyes during exercises when you're ready. Always prioritize safety and work within your comfort level.

Jessica's repeats her key message: "You can do it every single day, or again, just pick and choose pieces of it to do at your kitchen counter anytime during the day to help your own balance, meet your body where it is and know that long-term you are doing something good for yourself." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Fitness & Workouts

Fitness Trainer Reveals 10 Fat Burning Habits Over 50

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Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJan 19, 2025
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Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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Are you letting your age be an excuse for not getting into shape? One 57-year-old expert who looks half her age has some recommendations to help you burn fat and achieve your best body. Christine Roderick is an “age positive” fitness trainer who helps “women over 40 transform their body, mind & spirits.” In a new social media post, she shows off her flat abs and reveals all her healthy daily habits that help her achieve her fantastic figure. “What I do for maximum fat burning at 57,” she writes. “Use this template for a week, 2 weeks or a month to get results,” she adds, sharing “what a typical day looks like” in her life.

Intermittent Fasting

Her first habit is intermittent fasting. “Fast 12-13 hours,” she recommends. Intermittent fasting prolongs “the period when your body has burned through the calories consumed during your last meal and begins burning fat,” explains Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Hydration

Christine wakes up at 6:15 a.m. The first thing she does is hydrate. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is essential for various reasons. Water helps eliminate waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature regular, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

Coffee

Christina drinks a “loaded” coffee latte at 7:00 a.m. She adds @cymbiotika nootropic creamer and one scoop of collagen. According to the Cleveland Clinic, drinking coffee in moderation has several benefits. “It acts on your brain to improve memory, mood, reaction times, and mental function,” they say, citing a study finding that caffeine can improve endurance and performance during exercise. It is also antioxidant-rich, can ward off diabetes, prevent neurologic disease, lower cancer risk, and ward off depression, they point out.

Protein Before Workout

At 8:00 a.m., she hits the gym for a challenging strength training workout “with about 15 grams of protein as fuel & water with. @kion aminos,” she reveals. According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW), but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

Here Is What She Eats in a Day

For breakfast, Christine consumes 30 to 49 grams of protein, healthy fats, and carbs. She might eat eggs, lean meat, avocado, and whole grain toast or have a protein shake with prebiotic powder. Lunch is her largest meal of the day, “lean protein, bit more complex crabs & veggies ( i.e. salmon, leafy green salad & brown rice )” she writes. At 3 she will have a snack, 20 grams of protein in the form of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, or hummus with veggies or seed cracker. Dinner might be lean meat, grilled veggies, and salad. “I tend to skip a lot of carbs at night but if I do do it it’s usually quinoa or a whole grain,” she says. For dessert, she will have “chocolate something!” she says. In total she aims for 120 grams of protein.

Stretching or Yoga

She also does stretch or yoga in the afternoon “to work on mobility & flexibility,” she says. “Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints,” says Harvard Health. “Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.”

Walking

Christine gets her steps in. She explains that she is “trying to incorporate the 15-20 minute walk after dinner at a 50% so far lol but really want this in my life,” she writes. Going for a daily walk can be a game changer, especially at a brisk speed. One study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that walking at a brisk pace for about 30 minutes a day reduced the risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia, and death, compared with walking a similar number of steps but at a slower pace.

Tea Before Bed

She also avoids eating 2 to 3 hours before bed, “just a habit I made myself get consistent with,” she says. “I drink tea or sugar free cacao if I need something.” Numerous studies have shown that various teas may boost your immune system, fight inflammation, and even ward off cancer and heart disease.

Supplements

Christine takes supplements throughout the day:

Morning supplements: @fatty15, @seed probiotics @joiwomenswellness NAD, glutathione, C & methylated vitamin B 12

Afternoon supplements: @modere_us collagen & Trim ( Cla) @cymbiotika D3K2 @udeawellness the hair pill & omega 3 supplement

Evening supplements: Magnesium threonate & citrate for calm & progesterone

Sleep

Lastly, she prioritizes sleep. “In bed by 10 hopefully!!!!” she writes. According to the Sleep Foundation, getting enough z’s is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, helps relieve stress, and aids in weight loss. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI Hit 60 and These 15 Anti-Aging Foods Keep Me Fit and Feeling 20 Years Younger.

Fitness & Workouts

Cara Metz's 15-Minute Workout for Women 40+

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Leah Groth
By Leah GrothOct 06, 2024
Leah Groth
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Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

If you don’t have an hour to devote to exercise every day, don’t stress. According to Cara Metz, a fitness trainer with over 20 years of experience and nearly 500,000 followers on Instagram, all you need is a quarter of that time. Metz specializes in 15-minute workouts, recently sharing one for her over 40 followers. “This 15-minute workout is perfect for women over 40! Why? Because you are super busy & a longer workout is not always possible,” she writes in the caption. Here is everything you need to know about the workout – including why 15 minutes is enough time.

Here Is Why Women Over 40 Need to Build Muscle

Muscular Caucasian forty year old woman doing exercises with dumbbells in the gym.Shutterstock

First Cara explains why women over 40 need to build muscle. She says that “your muscle mass is starting to diminish so you need to work at keeping your muscle & hopefully building more lean muscle!”

“15-minute workouts have been a game changer for me and the ladies who are part of the Cara Fitness family. Do you feel you need to workout for longer? If yes. Why?” she asks.

Cara gives the “workout breakdown” and explains that you should do each exercise for 50 seconds each with 10 seconds of rest in between. Then, “repeat the sequence 3 times for a 15-minute workout,” she says.

Related: 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Here Are the Exercises

1️⃣ Cross bicep curl

2️⃣ Tricep kickbacks & hold

3️⃣ Upright row & clean

4️⃣ Back to front & front drive

5️⃣ Stepping shoulder press

Get More Steps In with This 15-Minute Workout

In another post, she shares a 15-minute workout to get 1,500 steps in. “How many daily steps do you do? Do you struggle to get your steps in each day! Try this….Stick some music on, set a timer for 1 minute a move and let’s go!” she writes. Repeat twice.

  1. March
  2. Wide march
  3. In & out March
  4. Two side steps
  5. Rock step
  6. Box step
  7. Walk forward & back
  8. Let loose & boogie

RELATED: How to Debloat Your Belly Fast, According to an MD

This Is Why You Only Need 15 Minutes to Work Out

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“Why do you only workout for 15 minutes? Surely that is not enough? What else do you do? These are the questions I get all the time. The other question I get is how do I stay motivated?” she wrote in another post. “So motivation & just 15 minutes go hand in hand. Just 15 minutes allows me to stay consistent as the workout is finished before you know it! Motivation is fleeting, some days you are, some days you are not! Knowing that your workout is only 15 minutes means it’s so much easier to just get the job done! Consistency is the key to getting results. Dipping in and out of exercise and great nutrition is what causes yo-yo weight loss and dieting. Doing 15 minutes consistently and eating great food consistently is what gets results! Simple! This is what works for me and 1,000’s of women who workout with me each day!”

💪🔥Body Booster: Try to do a short but intense 15-minute workout every day for a week.

Nutrition & Diet

She Lost 60 Pounds in 15 Months With 5 Habits

Gina Frattini cowboyleisure
I Dropped 50 Pounds and Lost My “Pooch” by Doing This One, Simple Exercise
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Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneApr 07, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
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✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Do you want to lose weight without stepping into a gym? Gina Frattini is a weight loss warrior who dropped 60 pounds in 15 months without Ozempic or other weight loss drugs. In a new social media post, she reveals the simple lifestyle changes responsible for losing weight – no gym membership required. “5 habits that took me from a size 12 to a size 2 naturally and in 15 months,” she writes, revealing her “non-negotiable five.”

Protein

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Her first habit was eating enough protein. “Minimum 30g protein 3x a day is always my goal!” she says. “Ensure you are putting real protein before processed proteins. You can’t expect to lose weight and tone up when you’re eating less than a good chunk of protein daily or if you aren’t eating at all. Stop skipping meals! If you’re serious about weight loss and muscle building – this is non-negotiable.”

RELATED:I Lost 100 Pounds in 18 Months With Walking and 3 Simple Food Changes

Wake Up Earlier

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Next, wake up earlier. “Before work, before kids, before other responsibilities. 5-530am is the quietest time to get in a weighted walk for me or a run on the treadmill. Make a habit of getting up early. Make it a habit to move your body during that time. I love walking weighted!” she says.

Lift Weights

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Next, lift weights. “Lift as heavy as you can while challenging yourself, every time! Listen, you will not get bulky. You will get toned. You need to lift 3x a week. Start light, start building consistency and do full body,” she says, “but keep at it and increase weights gradually!”

Hydrate

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Make sure to drink enough water. “Ensure you are properly hydrated. I drink half my body weight in ounces of water! Example 120 lbs, I stick with 60 ounces of water daily! I love having electrolytes and colostrum in my cup daily! I can immediately tell when I haven’t hit my water intake for the day,” she continues.

RELATED: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

Get Enough Sleep

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The final habit? Get enough sleep, “8-10 hours a night,” she says. “Yup, skip the Netflix and go to bed earlier so you can wake up earlier and hit the 2nd one. Proper sleep is crucial for recovery, fat burn, muscle gain and proper health. You have to get enough sleep!”

RELATED: She Lost 75 Lbs by Eating These 3 Foods That “Mimic” the Effects of Ozempic

Stick to the Plan

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“Nothing happens overnight except sleep, so stick with the plan not your mood. Good things take time and great things take longer. Try these 5 things the next 6-12 weeks and you’ll feel like a completely different person. Not only will you start to notice your mood and mind shift, but you’ll see your body changing too,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Fitness & Workouts

White Lotus Star Aimee Lou Wood Reveals All of Her Wellness Secrets

LOS ANGELES, USA. February 10, 2025: Aimee Lou Wood at the season 3 premiere for HBO's The White Lotus.
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Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneApr 06, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
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✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

The White Lotus has turned Aimee Lou Wood into a household name overnight. The British beauty, 31, plays Chelsea, a younger woman in love with an older man (Walton Goggins) with an eccentric, body-baring style sense. How does the actress maintain her impressive physique? Body Network details all of Aimee Lou Wood’s health and wellness secrets.

She Battled an Eating Disorder

Wood openly discusses the eating disorder she battled when she was younger. "I was so detached from my body when I was in the eating disorders, it was like I was outside it, scrutinizing it. I am very gradually getting over that,” she told The Observer.

RELATED:How White Lotus Star Michelle Monaghan Looks Flawless and Flat-Abbed at 49

She Went to Therapy

London, United Kingdom - October 09, 2022: Aimee Lou Wood attends the UK Premiere of "Living" during the 66th BFI London Film Festival at The Royal Festival Hall in London, England.

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Wood credits therapy with not only helping her through her eating disorder but being bullied. "I'd thought it was the comments that were making me have those relapses. But now I realize it wasn't the comments — it was because I was laughing them off. I wasn't telling people to stop talking to me like that. I was saying it later, through the sideways expression of the eating disorder. I wanted to be liked. I wanted them to think I was a legend!" she told The Observer.

She Takes Digital Detoxes

London, United Kingdom - February 19, 2023: Aimee Lou Wood attends the BAFTA Film Awards 2023 at The Royal Festival Hall in London, England.

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Wood told Marie Claire UK that she takes digital detoxes for her mental health. “I have just deactivated my Instagram and I feel so smug. I’ve done it for five days now, and I feel like a different person. But I think I would do scarily well on a digital detox - if I could never reply to anything ever again, I would. But that’s risky for me - I have to have some kind of contact and connection to the real world,” she had said.

RELATED: How Carrie Coon Got Her White Lotus Body at 44

Her Mindfulness Tip

London United Kingdom - December 04, 2022: Aimee Lou Wood attends the 25th British Independent Film Awards at Old Billingsgate in London, England.

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I'm terrible at mindfulness, and I need to get better at it. My friend has actually just taught me that thing where you breathe in and block one nostril, and that one helps! She said I should do that for five minutes before I ever make a scary decision because I need to stop making decisions when I’m in fight or flight. I’ll just be like ‘yes’ or I’ll detonate something, and she’s been telling me to pause. I need to ‘pause action until serenity enters’, and do a bit of breathing.

She Hydrates with Coconut Water

London, United Kingdom - April 02, 2023: Aimee Lou Wood attend The Olivier Awards 2023 at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England.

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During filming, Wood enjoyed the food in Thailand. “Thai food in general is pretty amazing - it’s so hearty and flavoursome. But my addiction out there was Thai coconuts - they get fresh coconuts out of the trees, cut off the tops and put in a straw, and I couldn’t get enough of them. It was full on, and at one point I was like, am I making myself ill? I don’t think I’m supposed to have this much coconut water! People kept telling me, ‘Aimee Lou, you’re having a lot of coconut!’ as if it was some really risky thing, but it was becoming a problem. I couldn’t go five minutes without a coconut!” she said.

RELATED: White Lotus Star Leslie Bibb Reveals Her Diet and Fitness Secrets at 50

She Admits “It Feels So Lovely” That People Are Embracing Her Teeth

LOS ANGELES, USA. February 10, 2025: Aimee Lou Wood at the season 3 premiere for HBO's The White Lotus.

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Early in her career, Wood was bullied for her teeth, but it has come full circle. During an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, she revealed that people have thanked her for normalizing her unique smile. “I can’t believe the impact my teeth are having,” Wood said. “Because the Americans can’t believe—but they’re all being lovely.” She admits that she previously worried about not getting roles because she didn’t have “perfect Hollywood teeth,” and still gets comments from haters who “dissect” her smile. “But at the end go, ‘But we don’t think she should change a thing,’” she added.“Oh my God, it feels so lovely,” Wood said. “A real full-circle moment after being bullied for my teeth forever. Now people are clapping in an audience because I’ve got these gnashers.” And if you enjoyed this article, don’t miss How White Lotus Star Michelle Monaghan Looks Flawless and Flat-Abbed at 49.

Fitness & Workouts

White Lotus Star Parker Posey Reveals Her Habits

LOS ANGELES, USA. February 10, 2025: Parker Posey at the season 3 premiere for HBO's The White Lotus.
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Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneApr 06, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
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Parker Posey, dubbed “queen of the indies” by Time magazine in 1997, is one of the many stars having a major moment due to HBO’s hit series The White Lotus. The star, 56, plays southern belle Victoria Ratliff, the matriarch of a wealthy family falling apart at the seams. While her character is probably the least zen of the vacationers, melting down when her supply of lorazepam disappears, the actress’s real-life health and wellness habits are deeply rooted in zen culture. Here are the grounding rituals, wellness habits, and daily practices Parker Posey, 56, swears by to stay balanced, energized, and healthy—on and off screen.

RELATED:How White Lotus Star Michelle Monaghan Looks Flawless and Flat-Abbed at 49

She Takes Sound Baths

New York, NY, USA - December 19, 2017: Actress Parker Posey with her dog Gracie attend Paw Prints 1st Annual Paw-liday party screening of Best in Show at IFC center

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Posey, who was recently profiled for the New York Times, invited the writer to join her for a sound bath. What is a sound bath? According to the writer, “various chimes and bowls are played in an intentional therapeutic sequence; the treatment may uplift the spirit, release stuck energies and rouse engagement with the surrounding environment.”

Her Diet Is Healthy – And She Drinks Tea

NEW YORK - APRIL 15: Actress Parker Posey attends the Zac Posen for Target Collection launch party at the New Yorker Hotel on April 15, 2010 in New York City.

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After the sound bath, Posey and the profilers ate at Cafe Mogador in New York City. She ordered a plate of Moroccan eggs and a bowl of cauliflower soup. She also brought along her own tea bag and ordered hot water. Numerous studies have shown that various teas may boost your immune system, fight inflammation, and even ward off cancer and heart disease.

RELATED: White Lotus Star Leslie Bibb Reveals Her Diet and Fitness Secrets at 50

She Also Takes Saunas

NEW YORK-JUNE 22: Parker Posey attends the 2016 Coach And Friends Of The High Line Summer Party at The High Line on June 22, 2016 in New York City.

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According to the writer, Posey is also a fan of saunas. Some claim the health benefits of saunas are plentiful, including detoxification, increased metabolism, weight loss, increased blood circulation, pain reduction, antiaging, skin rejuvenation, improved cardiovascular function, improved immune function, improved sleep, stress management, and relaxation. However, there isn’t a lot of research backing up the claims.

And, Does Cold Plunges

CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 15, 2015: Parker Posey at the gala premiere for her movie "Irrational Man" at the 68th Festival de Cannes.

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Shea also enjoys following up the sauna with a cold plunge, per the New York Times. Limited research supports the benefits of cold plunges, which may include easing sore muscles, bringing body temperature down, increasing focus, improving sleep, and decreasing inflammation, per the Cleveland Clinic. However, a 2021 study found that cold water immersion therapy promotes post-sport recovery.

RELATED: How Carrie Coon Got Her White Lotus Body at 44

Menopause Has Left Her Feeling “Settled”

Parker Posey at FAY GRIM Premiere Presented by Magnolia Pictures & HDNet Films, Independent Film Channel IFC Center, New York, NY, May 16, 2007

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Menopause has left her feeling “settled,” Parker told The Times that. “By the time I turned 30 I felt I’d lived two lives, I’d really pushed myself. But at this age your energy is really important to you, so you can say yes or no to things because you know what feeds you. There’s more self-acceptance of your idiosyncrasies and what makes you happy. We have our lens and point of view and stay with friends that create a similar space.”

She Indulged in Self-Care While in Thailand

SANTA MONICA, CA - JUL 23: Parker Posey Fox Summer TCA Press Tour All Star Party at the Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California on July 23, 2007

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Posey told The Times that Thailand was the ideal place to indulge herself. “I wasn’t good at all that until now, but now I had all these massages, I got on board with all the supplements I needed, I did sound baths, reiki, Pilates. It felt needed. And the Thai culture is just so wise, it makes you feel, oh, I was so stupid taking this stuff personally. It’s all a path and it’s about protecting yourself,” she said.

RELATED:White Lotus Star Aimee Lou Wood Reveals All of Her Wellness Secrets

She Practices Ayurveda

Parker Posey attends the 'Irrational Man' photocall during the 68th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 15, 2015 in Cannes, France.

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Posey once told WebMD that she is all about Ayurvedic practices. “I spent some time in New Mexico -- I was doing a movie called The Eye -- where there is the Ayurvedic Institute. I hit it off with them and sat in on some lectures, and it was fascinating. Your journey is to heal yourself through what your body is telling you. I hit it off with them and sat in on some lectures at the Institute, and it was fascinating,” she said, revealing that her dominant type is Dosha Pita. “It's small frame, quick mind, consume things quickly and forget just as easily. There are foods and herbs you can take to counter that. Your journey is to heal yourself through what your body is telling you.”

She Changed Her Diet

Parker Posey at the 12th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. February 25, 2010 Beverly Hills, CA Picture: Paul Smith / Featureflash

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“I gave up wheat and sugar. And coffee. [I] have more energy, [am] not as tired, not taking naps, not moody, not lethargic -- since I [also] gave up red meat, and I eat the occasional chicken. I feel so much saner. And I'm obsessed with bitter melon,” she said.

RELATED:I Lost 100 Pounds in 18 Months With Walking and 3 Simple Food Changes

She Does Yoga

Actress PARKER POSEY at the world premiere, in Hollywood, of "The Lake House". June 13, 2006 Los Angeles, CA 2006 Paul Smith / Featureflash

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Posey is a big fan of yoga. “There are so many great teachers and yoga studios in New York and I get into all of them when I am not working,” she told WebMD. Her least favorite form of fitness? “Running is a little absurd to me. It's like running in circles without having a place to go. Serious athletes, of course, reach a level of the zone, but I can't get there. I would never run because it's like: what am I running from?” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

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